Australia’s early childhood education sector is facing a reckoning, as a Senate inquiry uncovers widespread concerns about declining quality and child well-being—particularly in for-profit early learning services.
Two senior executives at Affinity Education Group—one of Australia’s largest childcare providers—have resigned following a series of disturbing incidents and mounting public scrutiny.
Diwali is a time when families light lamps, share sweets, wear bright clothes, and say kind words to each other. It’s all about light, love, and joy. Here are 5 joyful, easy-to-sing Diwali songs for preschoolers—each with a familiar tune and simple, rhythmic lyrics that invite movement, clapping, and smiles.
Documentation is more than a compliance task; it’s a powerful tool for reflection, connection, and responsive programming. Yet with the increasing demands on educators’ time, it’s vital to reaffirm a core principle: educators are trusted professionals, capable of discerning which experiences are worth documenting and reflecting on.
From 19 January 2026, new mandatory safety standards for infant sleep products will be taking effect across Australia. These changes affect all consumers who use infant sleep products, including ECEC services. The updated mandatory standards set out requirements for the design, construction, and warning labels on infant sleep products and inclined non-sleep products.
Leadership is essential in early childhood settings. It shapes the quality of care, learning environments, and the well-being of children, educators, and families. Designed by Karthiga Viknarasah, an experienced early education leadership expert, participants will explore what effective leadership looks like in Early Childhood Education and Care, how to support and grow a team, and how to embed leadership values into daily practice and the service’s culture.
Celebrating Diwali with toddlers and preschoolers in early childhood settings is a joyful opportunity to foster cultural awareness, sensory exploration, and inclusive belonging. Here are some developmentally appropriate, emotionally intelligent ideas to celebrate Diwali with toddlers and preschoolers.
Here’s a set of open-ended observation starters for mealtimes and nutrition, designed to support authentic child voice, trauma-informed practice, and emotionally intelligent documentation. These can be used across age groups and settings—from infants exploring textures to preschoolers engaging in cultural conversations around food.
Outcome 2 of the EYLF—Children are connected with and contribute to their world—reminds us that belonging is not just about being present but about feeling valued, included, and empowered to make a difference. The following article translates the outcome into simplified language to support educators in recognising and documenting moments of empathy, cooperation, and community-building.
On November 5th, 2025, the ECEC Leadership Research Symposium, hosted online by Charles Sturt University and OMEP Australia, invites educators, researchers, and sector leaders to explore the evolving landscape of leadership in early childhood settings.
Approximately 40 Victorian educators have had their Working with Children Checks revoked despite previously being banned from early childhood settings.
